Antique Fascination

My paternal, Great-Grandparents’ New England style house was bequeathed to my Grandmother, as she and my Grandfather cared for them in their final years. This house was filled with old pieces that always fascinated me, such as a mantle clock in each room that chimed on the hour & half hour, which made for quite a sound. When not chiming, you could hear the “Tick – Tock”, “Tick – Tock” throughout the house. My first collectible from my Grandmother was a simple, elongated gold brooch with a single deep blue, rhombus, aquamarine stone that was an engagement gift from my Grandfather. Coincidence, or not, my birth stone is aquamarine. The second item was a lamp with a unique oval, scalloped shade. It belonged to my Great-Grandmother. I followed my Grandmother into the cool, low ceiling cellar and patiently waited in great anticipation as she unwrapped and handed me the lamp. I distinctly remember the smile and look of wonderment and joy on her face, as she witnessed my appreciation and excitement over the perfect lamp for my “Flower Child” bedroom make-over. Yes, its gold, ornate base, eye dazzling, three inch multi-colored glass bead fringe that hung from the orange lined shade, covered with a sheer, ivory, mini pleated overlay that was so old, and fragile that it crumbled to the touch, was perfect! That lamp today has been rejuvenated; given some “Oomph” with a new shade and sits proudly in my family room. The value of the brooch and lamp is in their stories, at least to me. I hope you enjoyed reading a little about the beginnings of my antique fascination.Tell me, do you have an item from the past that is near and dear to you? I would love to hear about it!

1947 Columbia Military Bicycle - A "Tribute" to the Mighty Generation!

How I came up with the Oomph Redesigns’ Business Name -. . .continued from “About the Oomph Inspiration” page: “Let’s give it a little Oomph!” Mom would say as she would embellish an outfit. The “Oomph” word comes out of the 1930’s, from the beginning of a mighty generation of substance. Until recently, I missed or bypassed all the calling signs to start this business venture for whatever reasons: socio economic environment, culture and timing, self-confidence, life in general. For a couple of years I have been on a search with a desire to create, but create what? Tired of feeling stagnant, I pledged to make a change in 2012. Laugh if you like, but in January 2012, my daughter turned me on to Pinterest . I was bitten hard; sucked in. The, “I can do it,” creative juices started flowing with my pinner and blogger discoveries; such talent out there and an inspiration to push me. “Thank you,”Pinners and Bloggers!

My love of decorating, re-arranging furniture (thank you, dear husband), looking at something and turning it into something else decorative and/or useful (current day word: REPURPOSED) goes way back to my childhood. I recently reflected to my days of “playing house.” A neighbor had an old, large shed/play house that was probably not a safe place to play. Now picture this: I was the mother, the neighbor boy was the Dad and his sisters were the children. As the Mom, I would send the children off to school and the Dad off to work, while I swept, and re-arranged crates/ furniture to my heart’s content (and sending them away when they returned too soon). I’m not sure what they did in their imaginary role, but I had fun!

. . . to be continued in next blog post, when the fascination of Antiques began. My favorite childhood, imaginary role play was teacher/school, house and dress-up. When some boys were involved, it was usually Cowboys, Zorro or Army, and yes, with swords and guns! We had fun and no one turned into violent criminals, as adults. I’m curious, what was your favorite childhood pastime, imaginary or otherwise?